However, Sevilla defied the odds and emerged victorious by a 3-2 scoreline. Interestingly enough, a Lukaku own goal proved to be the difference between the two teams. The victory should have put more teams on notice than it did; by taking down a powerhouse like the Nerazzurri in a cup final, Sevilla proved that they could probably do some serious damage in the 2020-21 season in the Champions League as well as domestically.
This past La Liga matchday, Sevilla showed that they were able to continue from where they left off last season by holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw. Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong's opener was cancelled out by Philippe Coutinho's goal; nevertheless, Sevilla showed plenty of heart and grit throughout, stifling Barça's attacking threats on multiple occasions and making life difficult for their Catalan opponents from whistle to whistle.
Sevilla have clearly improved in several ways since their Europa League triumph in August. During the past off-season, Sevilla made some shrewd signings which are likely to bear fruit over the coming season. The Andalusian club signed Óscar Rodríguez from Real Madrid for €13.5 million. Rodríguez had shown some flashes of potential after two solid years on loan at Leganes; however, he and everyone else knew that upon his return to the Bernabéu, he would be unlikely to get much playing time. Sevilla seized their opportunity and made the signing; while not yet a regular starter, do not be surprised if he soon becomes one.
Sevilla also brought back Ivan Rakitić for his second stint at the club after six years at Barça. The Croatian had previously spent three-and-a-half years from 2011 to 2014 at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. The signing of Rakitić might very well prove to become one of the best signings made by any club this season. It cost Sevilla just €1.5 million to secure his services. Rakitić is already playing as though he never left. He has slotted into the team seamlessly and has clearly been able to elevate this team as the primary creative force in midfield.
Head coach Julen Lopetegui also deserves a lot of credit for the job he has done since taking the reins at Sevilla. After difficult stints in charge of the Spanish national team and subsequently Real Madrid, Lopetegui has completely restored his reputation as a coach and then some. He has shown more tactical nous than most initially assumed he has while also demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing situations mid-match - an area in which far too many coaches of top clubs are lacking. When Lopetegui eventually leaves Sevilla, expect him to be in demand by many of Europe's leading clubs.
However, as shown by both their Europa League victory last season as well as their recent match against Barça, perhaps the greatest attribute of this Sevilla team is their resolve, determination, and fearlessness no matter the odds. It almost seems as though Sevilla thrive on being the underdogs; time and again they have proven that they can never be counted out despite seemingly being overmatched. This attitude has translated to results on the field and with Real, Barça, and Atlético Madrid not being at their very best, there might never be a better opportunity for Sevilla to gatecrash the party and perhaps even clinch their first La Liga title since 1946.
Sevilla were also handed a favourable Champions League draw; they will face Chelsea, Krasnodar, and Rennes. Sevilla should sail into the round of 16 with absolutely no problems at all. From that point forth, it may seem difficult for them to make a deep run, but underestimate Sevilla at your peril - we could be witnessing the beginning of a season which could take many observers by surprise.
No comments:
Post a Comment